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For some, it is believed that receiving a handkerchief as a gift is bad luck . In fact, since to dry tears it is necessary to put one's hand in one's pocket in search of a ready-to-use washcloth, traditionally the idea has spread that a handkerchief given as a gift is equivalent to the offering of reasons for crying, forgetting, however, , that tears are frequently also an expression of joy . To exorcise the presumed risk of the gift, popular tradition has found the necessary antidote within itself: just reciprocate with a coin , as if it were a symbolic purchase. In some regions of Italy, performing this gesture during the Christmas period is even a wish for success and luck. And so, while some people believe that receiving a handkerchief as a gift brings bad luck, we value its beauty and usefulness. If superstitions and popular beliefs are part of our cultural heritage, let's not let them become an obstacle to the beauty and creativity of our daily lives.

What better day, than the one dedicated to lovers, to tell the tradition of the “ Lenços dos Namorados ” (Lovers' handkerchiefs)? It is a Portuguese tradition born in the Minho region between the 17th and 18th centuries. But what is it? We are talking about a linen or cotton handkerchief (40x60) decorated with cross-stitch embroidery or other techniques on which love phrases and symbols such as flowers, hearts, ships, butterflies, letters or keys were embroidered. They were used as a true declaration of love from the girl to her beloved. Tradition dictated that girls of marriageable age wore it on Sunday hanging from their skirt or in plain sight in the pockets of their apron, and then offered it as a token of love to their beloved. If he reciprocated the interest, he began to show it in public. If, however, the love was not reciprocated or the relationship ended, the handkerchief was returned to the girl. A few years ago, the Portuguese airline TAP, on Valentine's Day, decided to decorate the seats of its planes with the "Lenços dos Namorados" with the aim of making this typical custom of northern Portugal known.